Christmas violence: 4 dead, 2 hurt

Four persons, including a housewife, died, while two others were seriously injured in a spate of violent incidents in Manila on Christmas Day.

The fatalities sustained either gunshot and stab wounds following celebrations on Christmas Eve, traditionally observed by Filipinos with non-stop eating and excessive drinking.

The first fatality was recorded at around 7:45 p.m. on Christmas Eve when a businessman identified as Erwin Magpayo, 41, of Singalong street, Malate was ambushed by three gunmen in Paco, Manila.

Police said Magpayo was on his way home on board a van after buying Christmas gifts when his vehicle was blocked by the suspects. One of the suspects fired three times at the victim,

The suspects boarded a taxi and fled toward the direction of United Nations Avenue.

Two hours later in Arlegui street in Quiapo, a housewife identified as one Carina Cruz, between 35 and 40 years old and a resident of Malabon, was shot dead by two gunmen.

Investigators said the victim, together with her four-year-old son and two male companions, had just eaten merienda at a sari-sari store when one of the gunmen shot her in the head.

The suspects casually walked away from the scene.

In Sta. Cruz, a drinking session resulted in a free-for-all that led to the fatal stabbing of Arnold Rivera, 27, and serious wounding of Marvin Morales, 24, both of Tambunting street.

Six suspects, including a 16-year-old out-of-school youth, were picked up by police, while another identified as one Edward Panocan, is now the subject of a manhunt.

At around 4 a.m. yesterday, Ruffu Devarra, 36, of Parola Compound, Tondo was stabbed dead, while his companion Rogelio Sabulbora, 23, was injured, after they were attacked inside a beehouse along Pier 2 in North Harbor by drunk suspects.

The victims had just celebrated Christmas Eve and had decided to continue their drinking at a beerhouse when the incident happened. – Nestor Etolle